Military to engage armed hostages in Marawi, official says

September 18, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday government forces would engage anyone, even the hostages of the Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group, if they are armed and would fire towards the soldiers, a military spokesman said.

In the "Mindanao Hour" briefing in Malacanang, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said there could be hostages who voluntarily or forced to join the militant group during more than three months in captivity in Marawi City.

"Our basis if there is someone who is armed and fire towards our place, that's a sign of hostility and our soldiers have the right to defend themselves or to neutralize the targets," Padilla said.

But if the person carries a white flag, the soldiers would stop firing and this would pave way for the verification of such individual.

Padilla said this applies to terrorists who would want to surrender.

"Remember, your Armed Forces in the area operating right now and all our members in the entire archipelago are strict in human rights and international humanitarian laws. We know the rules of engagement. We know the rules of war. And if there’s a white flag flying out there for an individual who wants to surrender, his rights will be respected and he will be treated well," he said.

The Islamic terrorists have continued to hold about 40 to 60 people as their hostages, he said. On Saturday, priest Teresito "Chito" Soganub and another hostage were  rescued near a mosque in Marawi.

Padilla did not give further details on the rescue of the hostages. Celerina Monte/DMS